Changes Still Required

Eliminating Turf Fields

The benefit to using turf is that it is a lot less expensive and easier to maintain than grass, but the amount of injuries that occur on turf fields are significantly higher than the amount of injuries that occur on grass fields. A study taken from the 2012-2016 seasons found that games played on synthetic turf resulted in 27% more non-contact lower body injuries, and there was a 56% injury rate that caused lost time.

Many NFL players and analysts are pushing for turf fields to be eliminated, with many taking to social media to voice their concerns. Even the NFLPA (Players Association) published this public call on their website. But these changes, even implemented, would only affect the NFL–not high schools or colleges. What we need is sweeping changes that apply to all football games. 

How do we achieve this?

• If your school or college has a turf field you can bring this issue to their attention and call for action. 

• Avoid playing on turf fields where you can. 

• Take extra care of turf fields if there is no other option. 

• Warn other players of the increased risks of turf fields.